Hobbs to begin water restrictions amid severe drought

HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — Water restrictions are set to begin in a southeastern New Mexico city hit by severe drought.

The Hobbs News-Sun reports water restriction enforcement in Hobbs will start Tuesday to conserve water during what is expected to be a dangerous wildfire season.

Under its conservation period that lasts until Sept. 15, residential and commercial water use for gardens, lawns or other outside watering or sprinkling will be restricted by addresses. Residents and business face fines up to $300 for violations.

The city says more than 350 million gallons (1.3 billion liters) of water is saved each calendar year with the restrictions.

The Ogallala Aquifer is a shallow water table situated under the Great Plains and underlies parts of eight states: South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. The aquifer’s depletion over time has been a concern.